Chapter 9 - The Man Who Finally Asked Her to Stay
Three years passed.
Renata became a respected attorney.
Lorenzo became a private investor.
The foundation grew.
Elena became a fearless child who climbed everything.
Adrian became an ordinary father.
Vittoria became a grandmother who complained about all the noise.
Life became almost normal.
One rainy evening, Renata returned home late.
Lorenzo was waiting.
He was holding the old black remote.
The one from the elevator.
She laughed.
"You still have that?"
"Of course."
"Why?"
"It reminds me of the worst elevator ride of my life."
She sat beside him.
"What happened to perfect, we're alone?"
"You turned out to be very difficult."
She smiled.
"That's why you like me."
"Exactly."
He took her hand.
"I have something to ask."
"What?"
"When the elevator stopped, I told you I was tired of protecting you from a distance."
She nodded.
"I remember."
"I was wrong."
She frowned.
"How?"
"I wasn't supposed to protect you."
He looked into her eyes.
"I was supposed to trust you."
She smiled.
"You learned."
"Eventually."
He pulled out a small box.
She stared.
"Renata."
He opened it.
Inside was a ring.
Not a replacement wedding ring.
A plain band.
On the inside was engraved:
CHOICE.
She started crying.
"I don't need another proposal."
"I know."
"Then why?"
"Because the first time I asked you to stay, I was afraid you'd leave."
He took a breath.
"Now I'm asking because I know you can."
She touched the ring.
"I love you."
"I love you."
She slipped it onto her finger.
Then leaned against him.
May you like
Outside, rain fell against the windows.
Inside, the past was finally quiet.
